Trip Report June 6-13 Ballys, Laughlin daytrip, general fun

We just got back from a week in LV with another couple. Stayed at Ballys again. No complaints. Went to BLT Steak one night and enjoyed our meals. We had previously only been there for happy hour drinks which are always a bargain.

We went to see Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals at Golden Nugget’s Showroom one night. Really enjoyed the concert with the smaller venue. Had some talented band members.

We took a $12 Grayline bus tour to Laughlin one day. Glad we did it to cross Laughlin off our bucket list. But I don’t plan on going back. None of us liked it. Not sure why really, hard to explain. Seemed dreary, didn’t care for the vibe or something. Maybe if I had researched it a little, that would’ve helped. The bus dropped us off/picked up at Golden Nugget. We got a coupon book, so used the $5 off food at Bubba Gump’s. Food was good, service was horribly slow which took a big bite out of our 6 hours there. We walked up to Harrah’s. That is a long walk uphill in 100 degree weather. In retrospect, we should’ve walked the other direction and then taken the water taxi back to Harrah’s. But we didn’t know that. Walked on the Riverwalk for a bit, but it was odd, not a straight shot to the other hotels. The casinos that we went into were smallish, sort of reminded me of Fremont casinos, but definitely not as convenient to access them as on Fremont. I guess I need the excitement that Las Vegas offers. Laughlin was too sleepy.

We went to Palms one morning to check it out. Hadn’t been there before. Has a Cosmo vibe with a younger crowd. Did Cromwell’s happy hour a few times. One night they had a Sinatra-ish singer/band. They were real entertaining. Went to GR Pub at Caesars one night. It was during a NBA playoff game, so it was very lively and fun. The food was good, too. We hit happy hour drinks (3-7pm) at Sadelle’s in the Bellagio conservatory one afternoon. It used to be the café. Was busy. Otherwise went to a lot of our “usual” spots : Triple George HH, GR Fish, Oceans at PH for breakfast, Maggiano’s, Earl o’ Sandwich.

Gambling was just so-so. Had some good video poker hands, but needed more of them!

 

I’m heading to Laughlin Friday on a Caesars charter, my first time. Originally I had planned to head to Vegas for a couple of the days but have decided against it as I will be in Vegas just a couple weeks later. Your TR of Laughlin now kinda scares me!

 

I did a laughlin charter and enjoyed it. Stayed at harrahs. Yes its older but it had all the games I wanted. It definitely caters to an older crowd and at 56 I was one of the youngsters. So if you are 30s it may not be for you. But definitely worth at least one visit.

 

Sorry, not meaning to scare anyone away from Laughlin! We're in our 60's and definite low rollers, so I was a little surprised myself that I didn't like it. Maybe it was partially because of the sloooow service at lunch and the unexpected long walk up to Harrah's that started the visit out on a bad note. If you're staying a few days you'll have time to know your way around and find a casino that you like.

 

Nice pictures of the beverages and the river! Thanks for sharing your trip.

 

Good info on Laughlin. I never realized it was on a decent slope.

Sounds like you had as nice time overall!

 

The casino area is pretty flat except for Harrah's which is up a hill... and looks closer than it is.

 

Felix Cavaliere puts on a great show, Nice report.

 

Laughlin definitely has a different vibe that’s for sure. Went years ago and had the absolute cheapest breakfast me and the ex wife ever had. It was $1.65 for both of us in the coffee shop at the Pioneer. We took a picture of the receipt to prove it. That being said I have zero desire to go back. To many things I didn’t like about it.

 

We did the charter a few years back for 4 days after day two we rented a car called or LV host and drove the 90 miles to Vegas. Glad we made the decision to bail after two days. Just food for thought

 

Laughlin is def not Vegas, but I do enjoy a few days there, except in summer! Gambling, pool, movies, food about make up my day there.
Thanks for the details...I agree more wins would be fantastic!

 

Oh well. Laughlin IS on my bucket list but way, way, way down on the bucket list.

But thanks, OP, for your trip report about Laughlin. Much appreciated.

 

Very true. I'm in my 30s and I stand out like a sore thumb at Harrah's Laughlin. But I like it anyways, its comfortable, quiet, cheap rooms, nice being on the river, and a short hop to Las Vegas. When I drive from California to Arizona, or Arizona to Las Vegas, I always go for the detour and stay in Laughlin.

 

Thanks for the write up and info on Laughlin!

Vegasworm